Washington is a cornerstone of the nation's tech and cultural life. This is the state that birthed Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, all in the same city. Though their founders may have been educated elsewhere, they relied on their local area to provide the talent they need to thrive. Further, since these companies have risen to prominence, they have donated millions to local educational and cultural institutions while employing countless students.
You can take advantage of this economic boon by seeking out the best colleges and universities in Washington. The state offers some of the nation's premier research universities, fantastically eclectic small public colleges, and much more. Plus, if you live in a western state, you may be able to attend a Washington state institution for the in-state tuition. Likewise, Washington students can attend any public college on the West Coast, Hawaii, Alaska, and even states as far inland as North Dakota, at the in-state rate.
While the economy in Seattle has been booming for quite some time, it is poised to spread the wealth to other parts of the state. Spokane has been undergoing strong growth lately, and you'll also find new opportunities around Richland, and Yakima.
What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Washington?
Washington's diverse, growing economy is full of bright, forward-thinking individuals who place a high value on education. When state residents look to the hub of the state's economic growth, Seattle, it's obvious that an excellent academic background is the key to success. As it happens the state is home to some of the top colleges and universities, where you can study pretty much any subject you prefer. Washingtonians, however, have their favorites, and you'll find excellent departments to cater to your intellectual preferences.
Washington has cutting edge departments in these top degree fields:
California might have the Silicon Valley, but Washington has Seattle. The rainy metropolis might be famous for indie rock, but it's also a leader in technology. It's home to Microsoft, which introduced the world to the personal computer, and Amazon, which figured out ecommerce when everyone else was learning how to send an email.
The technology sector is far from the whole picture, however. Monolithic, global coffee retailer, Starbucks also launched in Seattle. This, and the other high-profile examples highlight the overall industriousness of Washingtonians. In fact, the state has topped state-by-state economic rankings for years. While big names do bring in big dollars, the state's robust economy is not reliant upon them. From Seattle to Spokane, the Evergreen State is full of innovation and unstoppable growth.
Find Your Online Washington Program
Top Business Administration and Management Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME
NUMBER OF JOBS
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Sales – Technical and Scientific Products
7,600
$98,260
Logistician
6,450
$89,300
Business Analyst
19,700
$67,800 (N/A for 2021)
Accountant
32,280
$81,970
Market Research Analyst
22,710
$88,290
Sales – Technical and Scientific Products:
In this occupation you'll sell items that are both high-ticket and the chance to change lives. This sector includes medical sales, so you might sell prosthetic limbs or artificial hearts. If you are good at closing deals, this is the field for you.
Logistician:
If you wish to become a logistician, you will need to study Supply Chain Management. This position is increasingly reliant on international shipping routes, so you will also need some familiarity with international business.
Business Analyst:
This is an interdisciplinary position that isn't often taught in business school, yet. However, most good business schools will provide the tools needed. Once you have some experience in the field, you can receive a certification from the IIBA.
Accountant:
Accountants file taxes, audit processes, and have the option to specialize in Information Technology. You could work with detectives as a forensic accountant or achieve your CPA license and find unlimited career potential. Accountants are always in demand, so if you have a talent for balancing books, this is the field for you.
Market Research Analyst:
These days there is a glut of market data available. Through the internet we learn a lot about markets and individuals, but we still need market research analysts to make sense of it all. Once you start crunching the data, you might work with a creative team to put your conclusions into motion.
Best Washington Schools for Business Administration and Management
University of Washington
Gonzaga University
Evergreen State College
Seattle University
Top Criminal Justice Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME
NUMBER OF JOBS
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Detective/Investigator
1,740
$63,600
Supervisors of Police and Detectives
2,470
$111,890
Private Investigator
400
$52,300 (N/A for 2021)
Security Professional
18,720
$41,030
Corrections Officer
6,950
$59,110
Detective/Investigator:
This job might not be as exciting as novels would lead you to believe, but you are sure to have many interesting cases over the course of your career. Your work will be a mix of in-the-field investigating and interviewing witnesses and suspects using techniques designed to elicit the truth. You'll also coordinate with members of the forensics team to ascertain how fluids and fibers can build your case. Ultimately your case will go to the District Attorney's office who will determine whether the evidence is sufficient for a jury trial.
Supervisor of Police and Detectives:
With a degree and significant experience you might decide to move up into a supervisory capacity. Working in the office might not provide as much excitement, but you will probably be ready for a more controlled environment. Besides, you'll be able to effect change on a broader scope from a supervisory position.
Private Investigator:
These investigators are another group that have been romanticized in novels and movies. You might spend a lot more time aiming a camera at a hotel window than chasing ne'er do-wells down dimly-lit alleyways, but you can do a lot of good for people in this capacity. Some Private Investigators help families find lost children who may have been abducted. You might also specialize in helping adoptees find their birth parents and sometimes you may uncover evidence that results in a criminal conviction.
Security Professional:
This career type can include guards monitoring a bank of video monitors in a shopping mall, or professionals guarding wealthy and famous individuals. Wherever there are things of great worth there must be people to protect them. Any occupation in which you carry a firearm will pay more than the general security position.
Corrections Officer:
You might work in a prison environment helping inmates acclimate to their situation, or you could be a probation officer who helps people rehabilitate once they've been released. This is an often-overlooked but vital part of the justice system. You can do a lot of good as a corrections officer.
Social Worker:
Social Workers are found in a wide range of environments. You could work in schools, prisons, governmental offices, or even in large corporations. Wherever people are having difficulty coping with their problems, you can be there to help them deal with whatever issues they face – including grave illness and pending death.
Public Health Policy Analyst:
In this position, you could work for a major health system, a political lobby group, or a government agency. Your work assessing the efficacy of various health policies will help whole populations and might help forge new policies in the future. While there is no specific barrier to an analyst with a bachelor's degree, your career will take off once you attain a master's degree in economics, public health, or public policy.
Rehabilitation Counselor:
This job description covers a wide range of occupations. Essentially your job will be to help your patients live independent, autonomous lives. You might work with physically handicapped people, developmentally challenged individuals, or people who are in the process of recovering from grave illness or injury.
Epidemiologist:
Your job will be to analyze the spread of disease and illness in order to find its causes and possibly stop the spread. You will need strong statistical skills as well as the communication skills required to broadcast your findings. You might work for a hospital, state, federal, or even city government.
Healthcare Administrator:
The role of a healthcare administrator is to ensure that a healthcare facility runs smoothly and efficiently by making sure they have all the necessary resources and policies in place.
Best Washington Schools for Human Services
University of Washington – Seattle
Seattle University
Gonzaga University
University of Washington - Tacoma
Top Psychology Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME
NUMBER OF JOBS
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Psychologist
400
$74,700
School Counselor
3,890
$48,000
Substance Abuse Counselor
2,810
$39,030
Human Resources
17,310
$77,220
Psychologist: With a master's degree in psychology, you can see individual or group clients for psychotherapy sessions. You'll need to satisfy Washington's state requirements for licensure which involve supervised hours, but it will be worth it. You might also consider attaining a PhD to expand your practice.
School Counselor:
Even young children need psychological help to deal with their home, school, and social lives. You will be able to help the kids in your school develop and grow in very important ways. As part of the educational team, you might even consider yourself a teacher. Counselors need at least a master's degree to work in this field.
Substance Abuse Counselor:
There seems to be no end to the substance abuse problem in the US. These days the opioid crisis is ruining many communities. Thus, there is a great demand for professionals who can help addicts stop their destructive patterns and find a healthier, happier way to live. You may be able to practice as a substance abuse counselor with only a bachelor's degree but check with Washington's professional licensure agencies to verify their qualifications.
Human Resources:
This job not only needs a bit of human understanding, but a scientist’s eye for statistics and hard facts. Psychology is thus a great background for Human Resources. You might even evolve your career out of a single corporation and work as a HR consultant or executive recruitment professional.
Best Washington Schools for Psychology
University of Washington – Seattle
Seattle University
Gonzaga University
University of Puget Sound
Top Social Sciences Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME
NUMBER OF JOBS
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Training and Development Managers
730
$140,390
Sociologists
80
$74,130
Urban and Regional Planner
2,090
$80,840
Postsecondary Social Science instructor/Professor
100
$62,950
High School Teacher
14,400
$48,400
Manager:
Social science majors make great managers. When you spend four years studying the human condition you will have special insights into your employees and even your customers. Imagine running a retail operation from an evidence-based, scientific standpoint. Further, the quantitative analysis involved in social science research will help you make sense of sales numbers.
Sociologist:
Sociologists often consult with cities to determine the best approaches for development or other policies. You could also work with large corporations to help them work with their employees. Wherever there's a social institution, there's a sociologist who can study its inner-workings and help its leaders achieve their goals.
Urban and Regional Planner:
Every commercial or residential development impacts a social network. Public transportation and parks also mold community character. As an urban planner you'll look at the trends and long-term needs of a community and help them develop in ways that are beneficial and sustainable for all.
Post-Secondary Social Science Instructor/Professor:
You'll need at least a master's degree to teach at the post-secondary level. With a PhD you will be more likely to attain a tenure-track position and research grants.
High School Teacher:
Teachers are a special breed. If you hear the calling to the classroom, you should certainly heed that. In high-school classrooms, you will be preparing students for later life, including college. Keep in mind that these days many school districts will take you on as a teacher even if you don't have a degree in education.
Earning a two-year associate degree can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to jumpstart your career in many in-demand fields. It can also make attaining an advanced degree more affordable, as credits can often be easily transferred to an undergraduate institution within the state. Applying to one of these excellent associate degree programs available in Washington will open a number of doors leading to both academic and career success. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to apply for entry-level positions, as well as other advanced degree programs.
Bellingham Technical College
College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing No
Student Population 1,848
Graduation Rate 52%
Net Price $6,787
Grads Salary $43,600
Renton Technical College
College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing No
Student Population 3,755
Graduation Rate 57%
Net Price $7,595
Grads Salary $45,000
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing No
Student Population 3,319
Graduation Rate 39%
Net Price $8,283
Grads Salary $45,800
Cascadia College
College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing No
Student Population 2,597
Graduation Rate 37%
Net Price $8,082
Grads Salary $42,000
Bellevue College
College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing Yes
Student Population 12,286
Graduation Rate 34%
Net Price $9,536
Grads Salary $43,500
Bates Technical College
College Type 2-year, Public
Campus Housing No
Student Population 4,377
Graduation Rate 37%
Net Price $6,869
Grads Salary $39,200
Shoreline Community College
College Type 2-year, Public
Campus Housing Yes
Student Population 5,884
Graduation Rate 35%
Net Price $8,272
Grads Salary $47,200
South Seattle College
College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing No
Student Population 5,324
Graduation Rate 40%
Net Price $9,159
Grads Salary $45,000
Walla Walla Community College
College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing No
Student Population 2,940
Graduation Rate 42%
Net Price $6,770
Grads Salary $37,200
Green River College
College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Many of the four-year institutions in Washington offer a wide assortment of programs designed to provide the knowledge and skills you need to enter the field of your dreams. Choosing one of the state’s top-rated colleges or universities will provide you with the edge you need in a competitive job market, regardless of your concentration. Not only will you be prepared to apply for employment right away, but you will have the credits and experience necessary to enroll in more advanced degree programs as well.
The state of Washington has a lot to offer students seeking advanced degrees in a variety of fields, from business and law to medicine and engineering. Continuing your education not only enhances your employment prospects but it also provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive as a leader in the industry. Master’s and doctoral degree graduates also tend make more money, qualify for additional career advancement opportunities, and enjoy enhanced job security.
Washington College Tuition Costs Vs Salary Potential
Education is a one-of-a-kind investment. Like all investments, it involves a rather large expenditure. There is no guarantee of a return, yet you cannot grow your portfolio without taking the risk. When you decide to invest in education, you are ultimately investing in yourself and your own abilities. That is part of what makes a bachelor's degree a unique venture. Without an education to help you develop your talents, you might never discover what you are truly capable of. That's partly why colleges require you to take a range of core courses so that you can explore the possibilities. Education is also a unique commodity that nobody can ever take away from you.
However, since you are likely to walk away from graduation with a significant debt load, it's important to take a wise approach to educational costs. First, you want to ensure that you attend a school where your tuition is on in-state rates. As a student in the Western United States, you have a wide range of options. Not only does Washington state offer top-notch institutions, but you can also attend schools in Oregon, California, and many more western states for their in-state tuition. With that variety available, there's little reason to consider a school out of that geographic range.
You can also reduce costs by attending a community college for your first two years of college. There, you can knock out your core curriculum at a reduced cost relative to even an in-state, four-year institution. You could even complete an associate's degree and start work in your field before returning to finish your undergraduate degree.
Finally, you should make a habit of applying to as many grant and scholarship programs as you can each term. Even if you are only awarded a small amount, that is still more money you will never have to repay.
Search Programs Offering Washington Majors
College Cost Analysis - Washington vs National
Average Washington Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools
In-State Tuition - $7,036
National Average – $9,580
Out-of-State Tuition – $29,228
National Average – $27,437
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
Washington chalks up some of the lowest numbers for student financial aid in the United States. Though the deviation from the national norm isn't tremendous, Washington is still ranked 21st in terms of receiving the least financial aid. Where #1 ranked New Mexico receives a total of $604 million, the Evergreen State receives $3,400 million. On the one hand, Washington is taking more federal dollars, but the state is also more populous and more residents seek degrees.
Financial Aid
Washington
Nationally
Received Federal Grants
34%
37.7%
Average $ per Recipient
$10,300
$10,927
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a post-secondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
Best Scholarships for Washington
Everyone wants to shave down their education budget. You can do that in a lot of ways, but one reliable method is to win scholarships and grants. This is money that you won't have to pay back with interest, and which can be an enormous help to any student, no matter how large or small the award. That is, some scholarships will cover your entire tuition, room and board, and even books, but those are rare. More often you'll find scholarships that award around $500. Though that might not seem like much, even small scholarships help in the short term and they then pay off long-term. When you put a scholarship on your resume, employers will be impressed with your initiative and achievement.
ASC
Atlas Shrugged Contest
https://www.aynrand.org/students/essay-contests#overview Amounts: $2,000 (1st Place); $250 (2nd Place); $100 (3rd Place); $25 (Finalists) Deadline: Varies (Previously April)
While this more of an essay contest than a true scholarship program, the top prize of $2,000 will go towards helping you fund your studies. To win the contest, you must first read and study Ayn Rand's novel, Atlas Shrugged. Then, the Ayn Rand Institute has a set of three essay prompts/questions to work from. You may need to read additional Rand writings, but fans will find that this adds to their understanding of her particular philosophy.
NFBSP
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program
https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program Amounts: $3,000-$12,000 Deadline: March 31
This prestigious scholarship is for visually impaired students with lofty goals. When you become a finalist, the NFB will provide funds to help you attend thier national conference. There, you and other finalists will be screened for the final winner's pool. To apply, be sure that you can prove legal blindness in both eyes, show an outstanding record of academic achievement, and have a number of community service projects to discuss.
KMPGFLP
KPMG Future Leaders Program
https://womensleadership.kpmg.us/charitable.html Amounts: $10,000 (Renewable for 4 years) Deadline: January 31
Women who have top academic achievement and financial need can apply for this highly-sought leadership program. When you win this award, you will be flown to Stanford University where you will meet Condoleeza Rice for a series of leadership seminars as well as golf lessons. After the retreat, you will be paired with a mentor from the program who will work with you until the next retreat. This program does more than offer money for college, it grooms young women for a lifetime of leadership.
WSUS
Washington State University Scholarships
https://admission.wsu.edu/scholarships/washington-resident/ Amounts: Up to Full Tuition Deadline: FAFSA & WAFSA Deadlines
WSU students can apply to a number of scholarships that will help them pay for college. In fact, they make it very easy by offering you the WSU scholarship application that casts a wide net for scholarships, you'll need to fill out the FAFSA and WAFSA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) forms, as well, to prove financial need. Some scholarships covered by this wide net include:
Cougar Committment: for low-income Washington residents
National Merit Scholarship: you will need a special recommendation for this award
Regents Scholars Program: for Washington's best high school students
Glenn Terrell Presidential Award: a $4,000 award that is open to first-year and transfer students
UWOMS
University of Washington's Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards
http://expd.uw.edu/scholarships/ Amounts: Varies Deadline: Varies
University of Washington students have a unique resource at their fingertips. This office helps students identify and apply for scholarships, fellowships, and awards. They will help you hone your application to best appeal to the awarding foundations. Since there are so many scholarships available, having a team on your side to help you sort them all out is an enormous advantage that most students do not have. As soon as you receive your admission letter you should reach out to this department and see how you can start your first year with a scholarship or two.
Top Social Sciences Careers and Salaries
Social science majors make great managers. When you spend four years studying the human condition you will have special insights into your employees and even your customers. Imagine running a retail operation from an evidence-based, scientific standpoint. Further, the quantitative analysis involved in social science research will help you make sense of sales numbers.
Sociologists often consult with cities to determine the best approaches for development or other policies. You could also work with large corporations to help them work with their employees. Wherever there's a social institution, there's a sociologist who can study its inner-workings and help its leaders achieve their goals.
Every commercial or residential development impacts a social network. Public transportation and parks also mold community character. As an urban planner you'll look at the trends and long-term needs of a community and help them develop in ways that are beneficial and sustainable for all.
You'll need at least a master's degree to teach at the post-secondary level. With a PhD you will be more likely to attain a tenure-track position and research grants.
Teachers are a special breed. If you hear the calling to the classroom, you should certainly heed that. In high-school classrooms, you will be preparing students for later life, including college. Keep in mind that these days many school districts will take you on as a teacher even if you don't have a degree in education.
Best Washington Schools for Social Sciences